SCIE G1 Literature

Essay Planning
Booklet

Student number and

name:
_________________________
G-Level English Literature Essay
Planning Task:
 As 10% of your overall GPA this year, you will be completing two essay plans based on two
exam-style questions on your literature text.

There will be one question on a character in your text, and one question on a theme of the text.

Your job is to create essay plans to answer each question – including introductions, main
paragraph points, and a conclusion.

You should use your notes gathered throughout our lessons to help you.

As part of your main body paragraphs, you will also be expected to analyse key quotations that
you select, and refer to the language, structure, and form of the text in your answers.

Your plans should be completed in the ‘Essay Plans’ section of this booklet. The plans should be
handwritten, not typed, and MUST be in your own words. Any direct lifts from online spaces will
be penalized.

The suggestions in this booklet are designed to help you. But you must ask your teacher if you
are unsure of any steps.

Your time for submission is: 09/10/23.

Key Analysis list: Techniques to discuss and ideas to add

Essay Title: Text title and author:

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Meaning, The big idea:
purpose, What is the author trying to say? What is s/he trying to communicate through this play and why?
ideas

Language Dynamic verbs, adjectives, adverbs, emotive language, pronouns/ direct address, rhetorical devices
(repetition, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole etc.)

Imagery Metaphor, simile, personification; is extended metaphor used? Are there allusions or references to
other texts?

Form and What type of play is it? Is there a specific dramatic structure being employed? What stage
tone directions/lighting/costume choices have been used to convey meaning?

Structure
Effective opening? Climax? How does the play create rising action and tension?Are there any
grammatical devices being employed?

*The above list should not be taken as exhaustive. You should be discussing a variety of
language and structure devices throughout all your analysis. Ask your teacher if you want to
analyse a technique that is not included above.

**All your essay plans (and final essays) should include a discussion of language (including
imagery), structure, and form, if you want to achieve the highest grade band.

Essay Question 1: Explore the character of Arthur Birling in An Inspector

Calls

Introduction

Background: What is the play about? Who wrote it? When?

• "An Inspector Calls" is a play written by the British playwright J.B. Priestley and it iswas
first performed in 1945 but is set in 1912. The play is a social critique that explores themes
of class, responsibility, and morality. It begins with a prosperous family—the Birlings,they

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 are celebrating the engagement of their daughter when an unexpected visit from
Inspector Goole disrupts their evening, who . The inspector questions each family member
about a girl’s death because they are all related with it ,and reveals their mistakes and the
consequences of their actions. The play highlights the interconnectedness of individuals in
society and suggests that everyone should be responsible for the whole humanity.
(great!!!!)

Link to question: Bring the question into focus – what are you going to
?

• I am going to analyse the representation of introduce the character

Arthur Birling.In my essay ,I will examstateine the my first impression to this character, his
relationship with the other characters, his conflict in this play, and his arc resolution. In
these main paragraphs ,his characteristics ,contextual meaning and hie’s importance in
this play will be revealed as you read through.

Thesis Statement: What is your main argument?

• In this play he is portrayed as an indifferent, self-served and capitalist-minded

“prosperous manufacturer, “which represents the upper-class capitalists in the Edwardian
Era.Through this play, he has a strong belief in individualism, class dividedifference,
capitalism which is caused by his identity and the socialety ideology. The author wants to
use this character to showcase the ignorancet and pompousness of capitalists and imply
the need for social responsibility.

Paragraph 1: First Impressions

Topic Sentence + main argument

When is this character first introduced, and what role do they play in the text?

• He shows the prevailing attitude of the capitalists and upper class in 1912,

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 and a social climber that takes his girl’s marriage as his way to improve his
social status.He does not want to accept any responsibility and take serious
of social class.
• He is first introduced when talking about Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.
This character is first introduced in the stage direction the speeches he makes
in act one.
At the beginning, he is represented as a rich capitalist with strong social class
awareness, and leave an arrogant but ignorant impression among readers. 如果
有位置，继续往下写
He shows the prevailing attitude of the capitalists and upper class in 1912, and
a social climber that takes his girl’s marriage as his way to improve his social
status. He talks in a very conceited and confident ways while the reality proves
his narrow-mindedness.
Quotations (At least two)

• —“No, we won't. It's one of the happiest nights of my life. ——I look forward to a time
when Croft’s and Birling’s are no longer competing but working together -for lower costs and
higher prices.

• —“The Germans don’t want war… the Titanic, she sails next week… and unsinkable,
absolutely unsinkable.”

Analysis (refer to technique list)

Analyse your quotations, focusing on what they tell us about this character
when we first meet them.

When he expresses his happiness on Sheila and Gerald’s marriage, heIn the first quote he
uses proper noun “Croft’s and Birling’s”;, this suggests that their marriage for him is not just a
marriage, but the combination of two capitalist entities, showcasing his self-interested
capitalist views. Furthermore he uses comparative and dashes“-for higher price and lower
cost” to bluntly highlight the capitalist benefit brought by this marriage which is the
cooperation of two companies.This is also the reason whyat he thinks that this is “one of the
happiest nights of my life”.

When he talks about titanicsIn the second quote,he uses “unsinkable” for serval times to
show his assertiveness in the unsinkability of the ship.This dramatic irony will make the
audience after1945 think he is pompous and ignorant person as the titanic sank in the same
year. The “personification of the ship through referring it as ” of “she” as the titanic shows his
esteem to this ship because it is made by a lot of money and represents wealth. This further

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. Moreover suggests his class awareness andsnobbish and capitalist nature.
Through these quotes, his ignorant, pompous and capitalist-minded nature are embodied,
leaving an unlikable and untrustworthy impression among audiences and readers.

Paragraph 2: Relationship to other characters

Topic Sentence + main argument

How does this character treat others in the play?

• Mr. Birling has strong sense of social class, and his snobbish treatment toward
different people manifest his snobbish attitude. He treat Mrs Birling as
his superior .He holds a dominant and patronizing attitude toward young
generation such as Eric , Sheila as his students and think that they should listen to
his opinions and suggestions. He pleases Gerald’s family for their aristocratic
social status.Whereas, he treats Eva Smith as his interior and moreover an
unworthy working machine.

Quotations (At least two)

• Birling: Yes, my dear, I know – I’m talking too much.(to Sybil)

• Birling: Now you three young people, just listen to this –

• Inspector: It's my duty to ask questions.

Birling: Well it's my duty to keep labour costs down

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Analysis (refer to technique list)
Analyse your quotations, focusing on how your chosen character engages with
other characters, and what this tells us about them (link to theme)

In the first quote ,he uses ”dear”, ”yes” to show these words embodies his respectful and
gentle attitude towards his wife.The dash suggests that he is trying to communicate with his
wife in a polite and gentle way, as according to the stage direction, his wife is his “social
superior”.

In the second quote, Birling uses “now” to indicate his imperative tone and command when
facing young generations. ”young people” when using this word, Birling usesemphasizes
“young people” to imply they are not as mature and experienced as him and he want the
young generation to listen to him while he is speaking. Thus, Mr. Birling treat himself as a
patriarch within the family. 假设太多，删掉这个部分

IN the third quote context When replying the inspector’s question, he begins withof the
quote“well”, which depicts his casual attitude when saying this, indicating that he strongly
allegiances his own idea and does not take this seriously. When he says “it is my duty”,
Birling here is also deliberately mimicking the inspector’s sentence format, and further
suggesting that he thinks inspector’s idea is stupid and use the word “duty” to justify his
behavior and insists that the death ofsituation of Eva is not relevant to him.

How Birling treat different people showcases the theme the the importance of the class
pyramid and the capitalist's snobbery in 1912.They respect their social superior and show
dismissive attitude when addressing to their social inferior. This is because in 1912 social
status is power.The higher the social status you have the more power you have.However,
Priestley is trying to show that the upper classes are unaware that the easy lives they lead
rest upon hard work of the lower classes. They’re uncaring and immoral.

Paragraph 3: Conflict

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Topic Sentence + main argument
What major issue(s) does this character face in the play?

• The major cConflict Mr. Birling faces is between his reputation and the accusation upon
him; between the expectation that he is supposed to take the responsibility and his self-
interested and remorseless rejection on taking any responsibilityattitude. (conflict between
Individualist responsibility andvs socialist responsibility)

Quotations (At least two)

• Sheila: But that's not what I'm talking about. I don't care about that. The point is, you don't
seem to have learnt anything.

•And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they
well be taught it in fire and bloody and anguish.

• Sheila: But that's not what I'm talking about. I don't care about that. The point is, you don't
seem to have learnt anything.

Birling: (rather angrily) Unless you brighten your ideas, you'll never be in a position to let
anybody stay or to tell anybody to go. It's about time you learnt to face a few responsibilities.

Analysis (refer to technique list)

Analyse your quotations, focusing on how your chosen character’s worldview is
challenged in the play
By using “And I tell you”, the inspector conveys his message with an assertive
tone to provoke the characters including Mr. Birling to change and take
responsibility. The polysyndetic triplet in “fire and blood and anguish” highlights
a provocative lesson the inspector try to convey, which is challenging Birling’s
individualist worldview.

after inspector left, In the first quote, Sheila uses ”you” to separate her from him because he
is not learning anything. This also shows Sheila’s anger and frustration with her father
stemings from her perception that he hasn’t undergone any personal growth or change

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despite the revelations brought by Inspector Goole.

In the second quote ,the stage direction and the word “never” emphasize Birling’s anger and
disappointment on Eric because he is not thinking in a capitalist way.Moreover indicates his
staunch in supporting capitalism.” you learnt to face a few responsibilities.” This dramatic
irony of the “responsibility” further demonstrates his ignorant and arrogant.

IDK how to write worldview

Paragraph 4: Character arc resolution

Topic Sentence + main argument

What is the ultimate fate of this character?

In act 3 Mr. Birling is a character who is not learning from the event and taking his
responsibility, so in the end of the play, he is to face an incoming interrogation and tragedy
again.

Quotations (At least two)

• Birling: This makes a difference, y'know. In fact, it makes all the difference.

• He puts the telephone down slowly and

looks in a panic stricken fashion at the others.//
….. Birling: That was the police. A girl has just died – on her way to the Infirmary –
after
swallowing some disinfectant. And a police inspector is on his way here – to ask
some –
questions -----

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Analysis (refer to technique list)
Analyse your quotations, focusing on how this character has changed (or not
changed) by the play’s end. Consider why the writer presented the character this
way

He uses “y’know” a very colloquial word to indicate his excitement. The repetition of “make a
difference” and the word “all” highlights that hHe believes that the absence of a genuine
police investigation changes everything which is very hypocritical. This quote also contributes
to the play’s dramatic irony, as inspector want him to learn the lesson but evidently he did
not.

The significant shift ofin the tone from excitement to “panic” and the tension here reveals the
next plot twist endingclimax. All these dashes fragment his speech and escapulates that he is
staggered, and he is afraid of what he has heard. His panicked demeanor, as indicated by the
stage direction especially the ajective and adverb “panic striken” “slowly”his slow actions and
the look of alarm on his face, , starkly contrasts with his earlier confidence and dismissiveness.

The plot twist endingending serves to highlight the theme of social responsibility and express
the writer’s message that we need to learn to take responsibility and change, or there will be
tragedy in the society, just like the second world wars.the consequences of one’s actions on
others Through this plotting.This is because after the second and the first world war, the
author realized that all these war is caused by the oppression and discrimination from
different countries and social classes.So the author want to advocate the concept of social
responsibility, and provoke change among readers. while Birling is portrayed as a capitalist
minded that only thinks of individual responsibility, so he need to end like this to support
socialism.

Conclusion:

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Summary: What are your main arguments?

In the play, Mr. Birling is depicted as an apathetic, self-centered capitalist, characterized as a

“successful businessman,” symbolizing the upper-class capitalists during the Edwardian Era.
Through his character, the play highlights his unwavering faith in individualism, class
distinctions, and capitalism, attributes influenced by his social status and the prevailing
societal norms.

Link to question: How have you answered the question?

ByBy analyzing thestate my first impression of the to this character, his relationship with the
other characters, his conflict in this play, and the ending of this character. his arc resolutionI
study how the character of Mr. Birling is constructed, with relation to the theme of social
class and social responsibility. .

Final thought: What have you learned from this character in the play?

Through this character, I learned His character highlights the importance of empathy and a
sense of social responsibility in building a more just and compassionate world.

Essay Question 2: Discuss how the theme of social responsibility is

presented in An Inspector Calls

Introduction

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Background: What is the play about? Who wrote it? When?

Link to question: Bring the question into focus – what are you going to
be discussing?

• I am going to discuss the theme of responsibility in the play “an inspector calls” by
introducing how does this theme start to appear in the play, comparing different
characters’ attitude toward responsibity, and analyzing how the ending contribute to
express the theme of responsibility.then use two characters to further depict this theme
finally, suggest the end and the purpose of this theme

Thesis Statement: What is your main argument?

• Through comparing how difference characters react to the death of eva smith and
inspector’s message on responsibilitya series of revelations and moral reckonings, the
author underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s social and moral
responsibilities.Moreover conveying the idea that true progress and social change can
only occur whennd embrace their responsibilities.

Paragraph 1: Beginnings

Topic Sentence + main argument

When is this theme first brought up, and how?
This theme is first brought up when Birling is giving a speech about his interpretation on
responsibility and his condemn on collectivism with Gerald and Eric.This beginning first
brought up individualism as it is the most prevailed and beneficial way of living in 1912 upon

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the upper class.

Quotations (At least two)

• Birling: (solemnly):—— when things are so much easier,is that a man has
to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too,
of course,whenhe has one – and so long as he does that he won't come to
much harm.

Birling: But the way some of these cranks talk and write now, you'd think
everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up
together like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense.

Analysis (refer to technique list)

Analyse your quotations, focusing on what they tell us about the theme

In the first quote ,he uses stage direction“solemnly” , indicates that he takes this kind of
“responsibility” seriously which is individual responsibility .These personal pronouns
“he””his””himself” and the phrase “has to”express his assured belief and seems like a blame
game which further expresses an intense feeling of individualism.
In the second quote he uses the metaphor “bees in a hive” to suggest his
aversion to social responsibility .”Cranks” and “ all that nonsense” , reflects his disdain for
those advocating for social reform and implies that such ideas are eccentric and unnecessary
in his view.

From these quotes we can see Birling’s attitude and interpretation

towards responsibility.He reflects the capitalists in 1912, who ——thinks that everyone
should take care of his own which is typical individual responsibility.

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 Paragraph 2: Character portrayal (1)

Topic Sentence + main argument

Which character are you talking about, what role do they play in the text, and
how do they link to the theme?

Sheila in the play plays an essential role that symbolizes the new younger generations and
accentuate ting the theme of social responsibility by evolving from a naive materialistic girl to
a mature independent character and willing to accept responsibility women. All her changes
make a huge contrast with the old generations that are not willing to change and dodid not
learn from the lesson.

Quotations (At least two)

• Sheila: (slowly, carefully now) you mustn't try to build up a kind of wall
between us and that girl. If you do, then the inspector will just break it down.
And it'll be all the worse when he does.

• Sheila: So nothing really happened. So there's nothing to be sorry for,

nothing to learn. We can all go on behaving just as we did.

Analysis (refer to technique list)

Analyse your quotations, focusing on how your chosen character engages with
this theme

When Sheila trys to convince his mother, she uses tThe modal word “mustn’t” to emphasizes
her determination and assertiveness in the view of building the wall. The metaphor of the
“wall” showcases her perception in the importance of class division. “wall” not only

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symbolizes the difference in social class but also the oppression from upper class to lower
class.This is also why she said this “slowly, carefully.” Because she finds out the importance of
this issue and she is trying to enact responsibility to break the wall and push her parents to
take the responsibility as well..

When Sheila realized that they are not learning the lesson of responsibility, she speaks
ironically, which is intensified by her repetitive use of “nothing”. The uUse of irony suggest
that the old generation and Gerald didn’t learn anything from the interrogation.Moreover
shows Shelia’s disappointment and anger toward their behavior that acts like nothing is
happened.
These “nothing” further intensify the tone of this irony.

Sheila Birling’s engagement with the theme of responsibility is marked by her

acknowledgment of personal wrongdoing, emotional reactions and her desire for
change.Moreover, persuading others to learn the lesson and take responsibility.

Paragraph 3: Character portrayal (2)

Topic Sentence + main argument

Which character are you talking about, what role do they play in the text, and
how do they link to the theme?

The inspector in the play is the mouthpiece of the writer J.B. Priestley and the socialist views
on responsibility. is multifaceted related to the theme and each character since Hhe is the
person who represents collectivism, and he plays a role as a catalyst for change while he went
through the interrogation.He is also the mouthpiece of the author.

Quotations (At least two)

• Inspector: Because what happened to her then may have determined what happened to
her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A
chain of events.

• Inspector: ——One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of
Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears——if men
will not learn that lesson, then they well be taught it in fire and bloody and anguish.

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Analysis (refer to technique list)
Analyse your quotations, focusing on how your chosen character engages with
this theme

This long compound sentence demonstrates the continuityous of this chain of events, further
indicates the interconnectedness of each event and people in a collectivism view.”determine”
“driven” these strong words shows how event are connected and interrelated.

“Millions and millions” “Eva smiths and john Smiths” the use of repetition here these
indicates the huge group huge amount of people that suffer to provoke the birlings to see
how their behavior and decisions will link to the happiness of these people. The inspector use
rule of three in his final speech to say “ if they did not learn from the lesson.” their lives, their
hopes and fears.” and “List of three expresses how someone like Eva will suffer. ” fire and
bloody and anguish.” to intensively draw attention on the importance of social responsibility
and necessity to learn the lesson for a better world. This phrase has it’s symbolic meaning
which is the war.

He is presented to express the interconnectedness of individuals in society and highlights how

their choices can impact the lives of others. Moreover,The character of inspector work He as
the mouthpiece of the author to convey a strong message ofreminds the need for collective
responsibility.

Paragraph 4: Ending and Purpose

Topic Sentence + main argument

How does the play end, and what does this show us about the theme?

The play ends with the phone call about a girl’s death when the old generation is celebrating
about the unreal interrogation while young generation is still contemplating about their
mistakes.The play ended like this because some of the Birling’s dodid not learn to take their

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responsibility. The incoming inspector at the end of the play is a message for the audience of
taking responsibility and take the lesson from the two world war. This shows that the author
thinks that only if we accept the interrelationship with each others, the society will work
systematically and no wars will occur.

Quotations (At least two)

• Birling: (triumphantly) There you are! Proof positive. The whole story's just a lot of
moonshine. Nothing but an elaborate sell!

• (When Birling is mimicking the way inspector talks in an ironic way)Sheila: (tensely) I want
to get out of this. It frightens me the way you talk.

Analysis (refer to technique list)

Analyse your quotations, focusing on how this theme is important to the play, and
why the writer would be interested in this subject

“Moonshine” “elaborate sell” these metaphors describe the excitement to absolve

himself and his family of any responsibility for their actions.The exclamation marks
and the stage direction further indicates his strong willingness escaping from
scandal.

Sheila’s “tensely” and desire to “get out of this” because she is discomforted and
feared in response to her father’s remarks. The short sentences express her shock;
her reaction highlights her growing in perception to events and a more
responsible worldview.

In 1945,the 20th century, the world wadis affected by wars since in the time,
inequality and and class divisions are filled. So Tthe author wants audience people
to learnaccept the interconnectedness of the world and to realise the need of
between everyone so that we have compassion and social responsibility to avoid
another tragedy. and these tragedy won’t replay.

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Conclusion:

Summary: What are your main arguments?

Link to question: How have you answered the question?

By introducing how does this theme start to appear in the play, then usinge two characters to
further depict this theme, and what the endingfinally, suggest about social responsibity, this
essay analyze how the theme of social responsibility is represented in An Inspector Calls.the
end and the purpose of this theme.

Final thought: What have you learned from the play?

Responsibility plays an important role in either maintaining the peace or improve human’s
quality.Only if we can take responsibility, we can ca develop and live in prosperity.

Mark Grid (For teacher use)

Level Mark AO1 Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts AO2
Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create
meanings and effects

0 No rewardable material
Level 1 1-8 Limited knowledge and understanding of the text

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 Identification of language, form and structure used by the writer is
minimal
Limited use of relevant examples to support the response
Level 2 9-16 Some knowledge and understanding of the text
Some comment on language, form and structure used by the writer
Some use of relevant examples to support the response
Level 3 17-24 Sound knowledge and understanding of the text
The response shows an understanding of the range of language, form
and structure used by the writer and links these to the effect on the
reader
Use of fully relevant examples to support the response
Level 4 25-32 Thorough knowledge and understanding of the text
The response is focused and detailed, and the analysis of the language,
form and structure used by the writer and its effect on the reader is
sustained
Use of fully relevant examples to support the response
Level 5 33-40 Assured knowledge and understanding of the text
Cohesive evaluation of the interrelationship of language, form and
structure used by the writer and their effect on the reader
Discriminating use of relevant examples to support the response.

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